Machine for making vessels from fibrous compositions.



G. W. l LARAWAY.

Patented lan. 29, |901.

MACHINE F0l'1 MAKING VESSELS FROM FBRDUS COMPOSITIONS.

(Appueion med my si, 1900.)

5 Sheets-.Sheet I.

Wzl-liessas:

nu. 666,8". Patented 1an.. 29, 190|. G. w. LAAwAv. MACHINE FQB MAKINGVESSELS FROM'FIBROUS CDMPDSITIONS,

. (Application med May 31. 1900.) (Nolodal.) 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 l I llLllllll No. 666,8". Patented lan. 29, |901.

G. WL LARAWAY. MACHINE FOR MAKING VESSELS FRDM FIBROUS COMPOSITIONS.

(Application med may s1, 1900.) (No Model.) 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patentedlan. 29, ISIN.`

i s'. w. LARAwAY. MACHINE FDR MAKING VESSELS'FBDM FIBBOUS COMPOSITIONS.

(Appua'eiqn med my s1', 1900.)

Y (No Model.)

5 Sheets-Sheet 4.

lllllllrlll llllll\\\\\ me nonms virtus cu. mouuwo., WASHINGTON. n a

Patented lan. 29, I90l y No. 666,6".

G. W. LARAWAY. MACHINE FUR MAKING VESSELS FROM-FIBHOUS COMPOSITIUNS.(Application led my 31, 1900.) (N0 lldh) 5 Sheets-Sheet 5.

Nirnn STATES PATENT OFFICE..

GEORGE W. LARAWAY, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNOR TO THE NATIONAL PACKAGECOMPANY, OF GLENS FALLS, NEW YORK.

MACHINE FOR MAKING VESSELS FROM FIBROUS COMPOSITIONS.

SPECIFICATION forming part Of Letters Patent N0. 666,811, dated January29, 1901.

Application filed May 31, 1900. Serial No. 18,628. (No model.)

To LZZ whom 73'6 may OOM/067%# paratns can be used in connection withthe Be it known that I, GEORGE W. LARAWAY, pressing apparatus forcompleting the vessel a citizen of the United States, residing in the inthe latter. city of New York, borough of Manhattan, in In theaccompanying drawings, consisting 55 the county and State of New York,have inof ve sheets, Figure 1 is a vertical section of vented new anduseful Improvements in Mathe pressing apparatus, showing the positionchines for Making Vessels from Fibrons Oomassumed by the parts when avessel has been positions, of which the following is a specifipressed.Fig. 2 is a fragmentary sectional cation. elevation of the upper portionof the pressing 6o 1o This invention relates to that class ofapapparatus, showing the parts in the position paratus which is employedfor molding and which they assume when the press has been pressinghollow ware or Vessels from fibrous opened or relaxed and is ready forthe incompositions or materials. The apparatus troduction of amolded-vessel body. Fig. shown in the drawings is designed more es- 3 isa top plan view of the machine corre- 65 pecially for the manufacture ofhollow waresponding to Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a horizontal from a fibrouscomposition which is comsection inline44, Fig. 1,showing thepresserposed of finely-divided ingredients in a dry staves contractedand pressinga molded vesstate, one of which ingredients is a fusible selagainst the former. Fig. 5 is a detached cementingagent-forinstance,rosin-sothat top plan View of the presser-staves and the 7o 2o theparticles of the composition are caused bottom-die, showing thepresser-staves eX- to adhere to each other by applying sufficient pandedinto the position corresponding to heat to the mold to melt thecementing in- Fig. 2. Fig. 6 is a fragmentary horizontal gredient, whilethe composition becomes hard section, on an enlarged scale, of the jointbeand set by subsequent cooling. The appatween two adjacentpresser-staves of a lset of 75 ratus shown in the drawings is designedmore four staves and showing the staves in the conespecially forproducing vessels which have tracted position. Fig. 7 is a similar Viewan open-topped body and a bottom formed showing the staves in theexpanded position. integrally with the body-for instance, but- Fig. 8 isa perspective view of one of the ter-tubs, pails, and the like. Inmanufactursheetmetal face -plates which are applied 8o 3o ing vessels ofthis style from such composito the inner sides of the staves to preventtions the most desirable method consists in the vessel from adhering tothe same. Fig. first molding the body sufficiently to retain 9 is afragmentary Vertical section inline 9 9, its shape and in then formingthe bottom Fig. 1, showing the means for heating each and at the sainetime compressing the body stave. Fig. 10 is a vertical section of the 85and bottom so as to compact or condense the preliminary moldingapparatus. Fig. 11 is a previously-molded body and the bottom and topview of the same. Fig. 12 is a horizonto unite the bottoni to the body.The appatal section in line 12 12, Fig. 10. Figs. 13 ratus shown in thedrawings is designed to and 14 are fragmentary vertical sections, oncarry out this method, and consists of a prean enlarged scale, in lines13 13 and 14 14, 9o 4o liminary molding apparatus in which the Fig. 1l.Fig. 15 is avertical section showing body is molded loosely, butsufficiently to rethe means for detaching or stripping the fintain ilsgeneral shape, and a pressing appaished vessel from the former. Fig. 16is a ratus in which the bottom is formed and the top view of a set ofsiX presSer-staves. Fig. previously-molded body is compressed and 17 isa top view showing one wing stave and 95 united to the bottom. twointermediate staves of a set of eight.

The objects of myinvention are to produce Fig. 18 is a top view showinga modified cona pressing apparatus which is simple in construction ofthe presser-staves. struction and effective and convenient in op- Likeletters of reference refer to like parts eration, and also to produce asimple and conin the several figures. loo 5o venient preliminary moldingapparatus for The particular style of vessel which is proshaping thebody, part of which molding apduced by the apparatus shown in thedrawcold water.

ings is a butter-tub and has a downwardly tapering body A, a bottom a,provided with a depending marginal flange or rim a', and an externalannular top rim a2, having an internal chime or rabbet a3, as shown inFig. 15.

The preliminary molding apparatus, in which the body A is moldedloosely, but suiciently to retain its general shape before it is placedin the pressing apparatus, is shown in Figs. 10 to 14 and is constructedas follows:

B represents a molding-table, which is provided on its upper side withan annular centering rib or flange b.

b' b2 represent semicircular mold-sections which constitute the outer orinclosing portion of the mold and which have their inner sides shaped tocorrespond with the shape of the vessel to be formed. These sectionshear in their closed position at their lower ends against the outer sideof the centering-liange b on the molding-table. The rear ends of thesemold-sections are pivotally connected to each other and to the table inany suitable manner-for instance, by a vertical pintle h3, connectingoverlying ears b4 on the upper parts of the sections, and a verticalpintle b5, passing th rough overlying ears h6 on the lower parts of thesections and through the table, as represented in Figs. 10 to 12. Thefront ends of the mold-sections are detachably con-f nected by anysuitable clamping device. The

device shown in the drawings for that pur-` pose consists of two lugs o758, arranged on the mold-sections on opposite sides of the front jointbetween the same, two links b9, pivoted to one of said ears, and atightening side of the other ear.'

to permit the cam-lever bw to be engaged with the lug bs, and uponsubsequently turning the cam-leverin the proper direction the leverdraws the two sections tightly together. Each of the outer mold-sectionsis provided with a1 chamber or jacket t for the reception of a heatingor cooling agent, such as steam or The heating or cooling agent isyintroduced by an inlet-pipe b12 into one end of the chamber in onesection and is con; ducted from the opposite end of this cham-Q ber byan intermediate pipe bis to one end of the chamber in the other sectionand is then` drawn oft from the opposite end of this chamber by anoutlet-pipe bm. Each of these pipes is provided with a flexible portionwhich per-g mits the mold -sections to he opened and.

closed without disturbing the connections of the pipes.

C represents a shell which constitutes the inner portion of the mold.This shell is com-2 posed of a tapering body c, which conforms in itsexternal shape to the inner side of the The` is formed between the.shell and the outer mold-sections. The shell is of such height that whenit rests upon the table its top is about flush with the top of the outermoldsections.

yD represents an annular forming-frame which closes the upper end of theannular space between the shell and the outer moldsec'tilons and whichforms the top part of the lmold and shapes the upper end of the vessel.This frame is provided with an inner flange d, which extends downwardlyalong the outer side of the shell andvmolds the internal chime a3 on theupper edge of the vessel, and with a horizontal flange d, which projectsoutwardly from the upper end of the downwardlyprojecting flange andmolds the upper edge of the vessel, as represented in Figs. 1 and 10.This forming-frame may be detachably supported upon the forming-shell byany suitable means. The preferred means for this purpose consistsofcatches d2, which are arranged in recesses cl3 in the frame and piv-`with cam-slots e, and each of the catches cl2 is A provided with a pine', which projects upwardly through a transverse slot e2 in theforming-frame into one of the cam-slots e of 'the cam-ring, asrepresented in Figs. 11, 12,

and 13. Upon turning the cam-ring in one direction 4its cam-slots movethe catches so lthat their free ends project from the inner side of theforming-frame, and upon turning the cam-ring in the opposite directionthe catches are turned so that their free ends are withdrawn outwardlybeyond the inner side of the forming-frame. The cam-ring is conlinedupon the top of the forming-frame and prevented from becoming detachedtherefrom These catches are lOO IIO

b means of screws e3 secured to the frame and passing through segmentalslots e4, arranged in the cam-ring, as shown in Figs. l1 and 14. Thecam-ring may be turned in any suitable way-for instance, by means of ahandle or wrench, which is inserted into a notch e5 in the side of thering. (Shown in Fig. 11.) Before placing the forming-frame between theshell and the outer parts of the mold the cam-ring is turned so as toproject the catches from the inner side thereof and permit the same tobe engaged in the notches ofthe shell for supporting the forming-frameand the parts mounted thereon in the proper position to mold the vessel.In order to permit this e6 are provided, which are preferably screwedwith their lower ends into the forming-frame, as represented in Fig. l0.The cam-ring is provided with segmental slots e7 above the openings forthe handles, as shown in Fig. 1l, in order to permit the handles to befreely attached to and removed from the formingfraine withoutinterfering with the operation of the cam-ring, Vhen the formingframeand cam-ring are properly attached to the shell, the upper sides of theforming-frame and the cam-ring mounted thereon are flush with the top ofthe shell and the surrounding sectional mold.

F is a core which is arranged in the shell C for heating the interior ofthe mold during the preliminary molding operation and for afterwardsustaining `the pressure which is applied to the shell and vessel in thepressing apparatus. This core is hollow and its walls are of sufficientthickness t0 sustain the heavy pressure developed in the pressingapparatus. The lower body partf of this core fits closely into the shellC, and the core is provided at the upper end of its body part with anenlarged head, which has at its julietion an outwardly-projectingannular flange The latter fits against the upper edge of the shell, theforming-frame, and the camring, as represented by full lines in Fig. land by dotted lines in Fig. 10.

The operation of molding the body of the vessel is conducted as follows:The outer mold-sections and the inner shell are placed on theforming-table on opposite sides of the centering-flange and the outermoldsections are locked, as shown in Figs. 10, ll, and l2. The annularspace formed in the mold between the shell and the outer sections isthen filled with the fibrous composition, which is of a loose,locculent, or pulverulent character. After the'space has been so iilledit is closed at the top by the forming-frame, which rests by its catcheson the shell. The mold is thoroughly heated for melting the fusibleingredient of the composition. For this purpose the core, which has beenpreviously heated, is placed in the shell. The formingframe is alsoheated before applying it to the shell, and the outer mold-sections areheated by supplying steam to the jackets of the same. When thecomposition has been sufficiently heated, the steam is shut off from themold-sections and the latter are cooled by supplying cold water to theirjackets. This chills the outer sections and causes the eX- ternalportion of the vessel-body to set and harden, while its int-ernalportion, which lies nearer the heated core, remains soft and adhesive.This causes the body to adhere to the shell, while the body hassufficiently set to retain its shape, although it is still rather loosein texture. The outer mold-sections are now released and opened, and theshell containing the core and having the vesselbody adhering to itsouter side and carrying the forming-frame and cam-ring is removed fromthe mold and placed in the pressing apparatus.

The shell and core may be connected by any suitable means to permitthese parts to be lifted from the molding-table and placed in the press.The devices for this purpose (shown in Figs. l, 3, and 4) consist of aclamping-rod f2, which passes through a cross-bar f3 in the upper partof the core and which engages with its lower screw-threaded end into aboss f4 on the bottom of the shell, and a clamping screw-nut f5,arranged upon the threaded upper portion of the clamping-rod and bearingagainst the upper side of the cross-bar f3 of the core. The boss on thebottom of the shell projects upwardly through an opening f in the bottomof the core, and the upper end of the clamping-rod is provided-with ahandle f7 for turning the same, as shown in Fig. l. The upper end of thecore is provided with a pivoted bail f8, which is swung upwardly intothe position shown in dotted lines, Fig. 1, and attached to a lifting ortransfer crane, whereby the core and the parts attached thereto arecarried from the forming-table to the press. This lifting ortransferring crane or apparatus may be of any suitable construction andis not shown in the drawings.

The press, in which the body of the vessel is compacted and the ybottomof the vessel is formed and united with the body, is shown in Figs. l to9. This press is of thattypein which horizontally-movable presser stavesor sections are arranged around a former and are moved toward and fromthe latter, so that the wall of the vessel on the former is compressedby the inward movement of these staves, which are guided between anupper and a lower stationary plate and in which this upper stationaryplate is provided with an opening through which the former is introducedfrom abo ve into the space between the presserstaves, and the lowerstationary plate is provided with an opening in which a die is arrangedwhich by its upward movement forms and compresses the bottom of thevessel. This press is constructed as follows:

G represents an upright hydraulic cylinder which is provided with avertically-movable plunger or piston g.

G' represents a presser head or spider which is secured to the upper endof the plunger.

H represents the lower supporting-plate, which is arranged horizontallyabove the presser-head, and H' is the upper supportingplate, which issupported horizontally above the lower plate and separated therefrom byan intervening space in which the presserstaves are arranged. The upperand lower supporting-plates H H are rigidly connected with each otherand with the hydraulic cylinder by columns I I', surrounded byspacing-sleeves l2. The top plate H is provided with a central openingi, through which the IOO IIO

core, with the shell carrying the vessel-body and the forming-frame, islowered into the press. The core is supported in the opening of the topplate by an annular shoulder il', formed on the upper part or head ofthe core and resting upon a shoulder i2 in the opening t, as shown inFig. l. When the core is in this position, its upper end is flush withthe upper surface of the top plate. The core is irmly locked in thisposition, so as to resist the upward pressure which is subsequentlyapplied to the lower end thereof. A clamping device (shown in Figs. l,2, and 3) is ernployed for this purpose, and consists of a cross-headis, which is arranged across the top plate and the core and connected atits ends to the upper ends of the diametrically opposite columns I ofthe press. The columns I I', which receive the cross-head 3, aresomewhat longer for this purpose than the columns I I, which simplyconnect with the top plate, and the cross-head is firmly held down uponthe top of the top plate and core by screw-nuts t4, applied to the upperscrew-threaded ends ot the columns I I'. The cross-head is pivoted toone of the columns I and is detachably connected with the other column Iby a jaw i5, which embraces this column. This construction permits thecross-head to be conveniently swung to one side, so as to clear theopening in the top plate H and permit the insertion and removal of thecore and vessel and at the same time provides a constructionofsufticient strength to resist the upward pressure applied to thebottom of the core. Before applying the cross-head to the upper end ofthe core the supporting bail f8 of the latter is turned down, as shownin full lines, Fig. l.

J, Figs. l, 2, and 5, represents a verticallymovable die whereby thebottom of the vessel is formed and pressed. This bottom-die is ofcircular form and guided in a circular opening j in the center of thelower plate H and its upper side is shaped according to the form it isdesired to give the bottom of the vessel. In its lowermost position thebottom-die is arranged with its upper side below the upper side of thelower plate H of the press. In this position the bottom-die rests withits marginal portion upon an annular shoulder j', formed in the centralopening of the lower plate H. The bottom-die is raised by anupwardly-projecting hub j2, formed centrally upon the presser-head Gr ofthe plunger. The bottom-die is provided with a heating-chamberj, and thelower plate H is also provided with a heating-chamberjl. These chambersare connected with a steam-supply pipe j5, whereby steam is conducted tothese chambers for heating these parts, and with a drainpipe j, by whichthe water of condensation is carried off. The hub jz of the plunger isnotched to clear these pipes when it rises up to the bottom-die. Thesepipes are provided with flexible sections to permit the bottomdie torise and fall without disturbing these connections. The bottom-die isinserted into the central opening of the lower supportingplate fromabove and is removed upwardly when required. In order to permit thebottom-die to be conveniently manipulated in inserting and removing it,the same is provided with a central screw-threaded socket j7 torv thereception of a screw-eye which is attached to the hoisting mechanism.When the machine is in use, this socket is closed by a conical plug js,which ts a conical seat at the upper end of the socket and is flush withthe top of the bottom-die. This plug is secnredin place by a driving fitand is provided with a depending stern jf), which extends below thebottom-die and which permits oi' driving the plug from its seat bystriking against the lower end of its stem. The upper supporting-plate Hof the press is provided with a heating-chamber h, which is connectedwith a steam-supply pipe.

K K and K/ K represent the presser staves or sections, which arearranged between the upper and lower supporting-plates H H and aroundthe central openings thereof. These staves are capable of inward andoutward y movement between the plates H H', and their inner faces k areshaped to correspond with the external shape of the vessel to he formed.In the construction represented in Figs. l and 7 a set of four staves isused and the presserface 7c of each stave covers one-fourth of thecircumference of the vessel when the latter is pressed. The four stavesare arranged in two pairs and the two staves of each pair are arrangeddiametrically opposite each other. Each of the two staves K has in rearof its presser face 7c two outwardly converging slide-faces k', whichare arranged at-an angle of forty-live degrees to the line ot' movementof the stave. These slide-faces 1c are arranged as near to the edges ofthe presserface as the strength of the material will allow and extendfrom the side edges of the presserface conve'rgingly to the body K2 ofthe stave. The face portion of these staves containing the presser-faceand the slide-faces is preferably made separate from the body portionand secured to the latter by a dovetail fastening, as shown in Fig. 5.Each of the staves K' has wings k2, which extend laterally beyond thepresser-face of the stave and which overlap the side portions of thestaves K, on the rear or outer side thereof. Each of these wings isprovided with a slide-tace k3, which hears against the slide-face 7a ofthe adjacent stave K. The wings k2 of the wing-stavesK' form backings orsupports for the tapering edge portions of the intermediate staves K,and the respective slide-faces lo 7e3 are of such length that thesliding joints formed thereby do not open when the staves have beenfully expanded, so that the material to be pressed is at all timesconfined. In contracting and expanding the staves each stave moves atIOO IIO

right angles to the adjacent staves and maintains a close contact withthe adjacent slaves by the slide-faces.

When a greater number of staves than four are used in a set-forinstance, six, as represented in Fig. 16, or eight, as represented inFig. l7-the angle of the slide-faces is changed accordingly. ln eachcase both slide faces incline or converge outwardly with reference tothe line of movement of the stave and the slide-faces of adjoiningstaves are arranged at the same angle to the respective lines ofmovement ofthe two staves. This rule makes the angle of the slide-facesforty-five degrees in a set of four staves, sixty degrees in a set ofsix staves, and 67.5 degrees in a set of eight staves. By arranging theslide-faces in this manner they remain in close contact during a uniforminward and outward movement of the staves. The latter are therebyenabled to be each operated by positive means and all radially and atthe same speed and do not require any other or additional guide devices,as the slide-faces cause the staves to 1, move inwardly and outwardly ina radial direction. Heretofore the system of presserstaves in suchpresses has been composed of main staves and of intermediate or interstaves which close the joints between the main staves. These interstaveshavein some cases been moved inwardly by the main staves and have beenretracted by springs, and in other cases all of the staves have beenmoved by positive devices, but at a different speed, the interstavesbeing moved faster than the main staves. By the present constructionsuch specially-operated interstaves are dispensed with and all of thestaves, the wingstaves as well as the wingless intermediate staves, areoperated positively and at the same speed, thereby renderingthemechanism simple and very reliable and reducing the friction.Insteadofconstructingalternatestaves with wings and without wings, sothat the set of staves is com posed of alternate wingstaves andintermediate staves without wings, as shown in Figs. et to 7, 16 and 17,each stave may be provided with a wing k2 on one side of itspresser-face Zt and with a rear slidefface Zt" on the other side, asshown in Fig. 18, in which case all the staves K3 of the set are alikein construction.

The side edges of the presser-faces of the staves K are preferablybluntin order to maintain the same of sufficient strength to preventinjury, and the slide-faces k3 of the wings k2 are set backcorrespondingly, forming shoulders 7a4 at the junction of the wings k2with the presser-face k for the reception of these blunt side edges.

The upper portion of the bearing-face of each stave is provided with arabbet 105, and these rabbets of the several staves form the externalbead or rim ai on the upper end of the vessel while being pressed.

When the staves are new, the composition has a tendency to stick to thestaves; but

after the staves have been used for some time the pores of the stavesbecome filled and the sticking ceases. In order to prevent thecomposition from sticking to the staves, each of the staves is providedon its pressing-face with a curved face-plate k6, of sheet metal, Figs.l, 2, 4, 5, and S, which is shaped to conform to the presser-face of thestave. If these face-plates adhere to the vessel, they are removed fromthe machine with the pressed Vessel and are subsequently detached fromthe vessel and replaced on the faces of the staves to be used overagain.

The staves are moved inwardly and outwardly positively by any suitablemechanism, preferably bya toggle mechanism, which is constructed asfollows:

L represents a verticallymovable togglering which surrounds the stavesand which is provided on its inner side with chairs Z, each of which isconnected with the correspending stave by a pair of vertically-swingingtoggle-bars Z. These chairs rest upon horizontal ledges Z2, formed onthe inner side of the toggle-ring. Upon raising the togglering thetoggle-bars are straightened and the presser-staves are moved inwardlyto the position shown in Figs. l and 4, and upon lowering thetoggle-ring the staves are moved outwardly, as represented in Fig. 2. Inorder to permit of varying the extent of the inward movement of thestaves, and thereby varying the thickness of the article to be pressed,the chairs of the toggle-ring are attached to the toggle-ring so as tobe capable of radial adjustment thereon. The preferred devices foreffecting this adjustment of the chairs are constructed as follows: Y

Z3 represents downwardly-tapering wedges, one of which is interposedbetween the outer side of each toggle-chair and the inner side of thetoggle ring. Upon moving these wedges downwardly theA chairs areadjusted inwardly, whereby the staves are moved nearer the center uponstraightening the toggles, while upon raising the wedges the chairs areshifted outwardly and the staves are moved inwardly to a less extentupon straightening the toggles. These wedges are adjusted vertically byscrews Z4, arranged in overhanding ears Z5 on the chairs and bearingagainst the upper ends of the wedges, as represented in Figs. l, 2, and4, Each of the toggle-chairs is secured in position after adjustment byupper and lower screws Z6 Z7, connecting the toggle-chair to theadjacent part of the toggle-ring. The lower screws connect the togglechair and ring below the wedge, while the upper screws pass throughvertical slots Z8 in the Wedge, as represented in Figs. 1 and 2. Thetoggle-ring rests upon bosses Z9, arranged on the upper side of thepresserhead G', and is centered and guided in its vertical movements byinternal projections Zw, formed on the ring and bearing against thesalient faces Z11 of the lower supportingplate H, as represented in Fig.4. The tog- IOO IIO

IIS

IZO

gle-ring and the bottom-die are raised by the hydraulic plunger; but thedownward movement of these parts is effected by gravity.

The staves are preferably provided with means for heating the same. Thepreferred means for heating the staves is shown in Figs. 1, 4, and 9 andconsists of horizontal heatingpassages m, formed in the staves, theseveral heating-passages in each stave being connected with each otherand with the passages in the adjacent staves, as represen ted in Figs.1, 2, 4, and 9. cent staves are connected by flexible tubing m', so asto permit the staves to contract and expand without interfering with thesteam connections.

The operation of compressing the previously-molded body of the vessel,forming the bottom thereof, and uniting the saine to the body isconducted as follows: The plunger of the press is lowered, together withthe presser-head, bottom-die, and toggle-ring, thereby expanding thepresser-staves. The cross-head s is sw u ng aside to expose the openingin the top plate H. The parts of the press being properly heated, asuitable quantity of the fibrous com position for forming the bottom ofthe vessel`is spread upon the bottom of the cavity inclosed by thestaves, this bottom being formed by the bottom-die and the surroundingportion of the lower plate H. The fusible ingredient of the compositionis melted by the heat applied to the parts of the cured by thecross-head t3.

press. The core carrying the shell and the molded body of the vessel isnow lowered into the cavity inclosed by the staves and is se- In thisposition of the parts the former, composed of the core and shell, standsin such a relation to the presser-staves and bottom-die that thesubsequent movement of the staves and die toward the former will producea vessel having a body and a bottom of the desired thickness. lThehydraulic plunger is now raised. The first part ofthe upward movement ofthe plunger moves the presser-staves inwardly, but does not raise thebottom-die, because the boss f2 of the presser-head Gr stands at a shortdistance below the bottom-die when the upward movement of the plungerbegins, as shown in Fig. 2. The first part of the inward movement of thestaves takes up the slack between the latter and the molded body of thevessel. After this slack is taken up the inward compression of the bodybegins and continues until the toggle-ring reaches the highest position.The compression of the body begins at the same time that the bottom-dieis raised by the plunger and begins toshape and compress the bottom. Theupwardpressure exerted by the bottom-die toward the bottom of the formerand the inward The heating-passages of adja been pressed, the plunger islowered,whereby the staves are retracted and the bottom-die is lowered.The er'osshead is next released and swung aside, and the core, togetherwith the' shell and the pressed vessel adhering thereto, are raised outof the machine. The core is next removedfrom the shell upon detachingthe clamping-screw]f2 from the shell. The cam-ring is now turned so asto detach its catches from the shell. The pressed vessel is finallystripped from the shell by pressing the forming-frame downwardly on theshell. The preferred means for effecting` this movement. of theforming-frame with reference to the shell is shown in Fig. l5 andconsists of a cross-bar n, provided with two feet n n', the latterengaged against the top of the forming-frame on opposite sides of theshell, a rod n2, provided with a screw-threaded lower end engaging inthe screw-th readed boss f4 of the shell, and a screw-nut n3, applied tothe upper screw-threaded end of the rod n2 and bearing against the upperside of thepresser-bar. Upon tightening the nut n3 upon the rod thecross-bar is moved downwardly with reference to the shell, and theforminglframe is moved downwardly against the upper edge of the pressedvessel and strips the latter from the shell.

An inferior way of forming the vessel consists in dispensing with thepreliminary forming or'molding of the body of the vessel in a separatemold and molding the vessel entirely in the press. In that case theplunger is lowered, so as to lower the bottom-die and expand the staves.A quantity of composition sufficient to form the bottom is then spreaduniformly upon the bottom-die, and the shell is placed with its bottomupon this layer of composition. The annular space between the shell andthe surrounding presserstaves is then filled with composition, thepreviously-heated forming-frame is attached to the upper end of theshell, and the previously-heated core is introduced into the shell andconnected therewith. After the composition has been sufficientlysoftened by the heat the pressing is effected, as before de scribed. Itis preferable, however, to form the body of the vessel in a separateforming or molding apparatus, because the same can be done moreconveniently and expeditiously in this manner, and, furthermore, the preliminary forming of each vessel can be effected while japreviously-formed body is being pressed and united with its bottom inthe press, thereby expediting the manufacture of these vessels. y

I claim as my invention- 1. In a pressing apparatus, an annular seriesof presser-Steves, each of which has on its-inner side a presser-faceand on opposite sides of its center line slide-faces by which contact isestablished with the adjoining staves, both slide-faces of each staveconverging outwardly at equal angles to the axis or line of movement ofthe stave and at the same IIO angle in every stave, whereby theslide-faces of adjacent staves remain in close contact when all of thestaves are moved radially by positive means and at equal speed,substantially as set forth.

2. In a pressing apparatus, an external presser-stave having at itsinner side a concave presser-face which stands at its middle atright-angles to the center line of the stave, said center line beingalso the line in which said stave is movable, said stave having a wingwhich extends laterally beyond said presser-face and which is providedon its inner side with a slide-face which is arranged obliquely to saidcenter line and which -approaches said line in an outward direction,substantially as set forth.

3. In a pressing apparatus, an annular set of presser-staves composed ofalternate wingstaves and wingless staves, the wing-staves having apresser-face and on opposite sides of said presser-facelaterally-projecting wings provided' on their inner sides withslide-faces,

and said wingless staves having on their rear sides slide faces whichrest against the slidefaces of said wing-staves, the slide-faces ofadjacent staves being inclined at the same angle to the respective linesof movement of the staves and converging outwardly, substantially as setforth.

4. In a pressing apparatus, the combination with an annular set ofpresser-staves, each of which has on opposite sides of its. center lineslide-faces which are inclined at the same angle to the line of movementof the stave and converge outwardly, of an actuating mechanism which isconnected directly and positively with each stave and whereby all of thestaves are moved inwardly and outwardly with equal speed, substantiallyas set forth. n

5. In a pressing apparatus, the combination with an annular set ofpresser-staves composed of alternate wing-staves and wingless slaves,said wing-staves havinga presserface and wings which project laterallybeyond said presser-face and are provided on their innersides withslide-faces, and said wingless staves having on their rearsidessimilarslidefaces which rest against the slide-faces of said wings, ofan actuating mechanism which is connected directly and positively witheach stave and whereby all of the staves are moved inwardly andoutwardly with equal speed, substantially as set forth.

6. In a pressing apparatus, the combination with an annular set ofpresser-staves,

each of which has on opposite sides of its center line slide-faces whichare inclined at the same angle to the line of movement of the staves andconverge outwardly, of toggle-bars of equal length connected with eachof said staves, and an actuating-ring whereby all of the toggle-bars aremoved simultaneously and with equal speed, substantially as set forth.

'7. In a pressing apparatus, the combination with an annular set ofpresser-staves composed of alternate wing-staves and wingless staves,said wing-staves having on opposite sides of their presser-facelaterally-projecting wings provided on their inner sides withslide-faces and said wingless staves having corresponding slide-faces ontheir rear sides, of toggle-bars of equal length connected with each ofsaid staves, and an actuatingring whereby all of the toggle-bars aremoved simultaneously and with equal speed, substantially as set forth.

8. The combination with the lower yhorizontal plate provided with acentral recess anda vertical ly-lnovable bottom-die arranged loosely insaid recess, of an upper horizontal supporting plate provided with acentral opening, a former suspended in said opening, a cross-headdetachably arranged upon said upper plate for locking the former down,presser-staves arranged between said supporting-plates, a presser-headarranged below said lower plate and provided with a central hub adaptedto raise said bottom-die, a toggle-ring carried by said presser-head andsurrounding said presser-staves, and togglebars connecting said ringwith said presserstaves, substantially as set forth.

9. The combination with the lower horizontal supporting-plate providedwith a central opening and having a shoulder within said opening, of abottom-die resting normally on said shoulder with its upper surfacebelow the top surface of said supportingplate, substantially as setforth.

lO. The combination with the lower horizontal supporting-plate providedwith a central opening, a vertically-movable bottom-die supported insaid opening, an upper supportingplate, presser-staves arranged betweensaid upper and lower plates, a toggle-ring surrounding said staves,andtoggle-bars connecting saidlring with said staves, of averticallymovable presser-head'which is arranged below said lower` plateand which supports said toggle-ring, moving the same directly, and alifting device for said bottom-die arranged on said presser-head andclearing said bottomdie when the latter is in its lowermost position,whereby the bottom-die is allowed to remain at rest. while the initialinward movement of said presser-staves takes place and is raised whilethe presser-staves perform the remainder of their inward movement,substantially as set forth.

11. The combination with the lower horizontal supporting-plate providedwith a central opening and a vertically-movable bottomdie arranged insaid opening, of an upper supporting-plate, presser-staves arrangedbetween said upper and lower plates, a togglering surrounding saidstaves, toggle-bars connecting said ring with said staves, andavertically movable presserhead which is arranged below said lower plateand which carries said ring and is provided with a central hub arrangedat a distance below said bottomdie and adapted to raise said die afterthe IOO IIO

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presser-staves have performed the first part of their inward movement,substantially as set forth.

12. The combination with the bottom-die having au internally-threadedperforation, of a plug arranged loosely in said perforation and providedwith a stem projecting downwardly through said perforation,substantially as set forth.

13. rIhe combination with the upper horizontal supporting-plate providedwith a central opening for the introduction of the former and with aheating-chamber around said openi n g,the lower horizon tal su pporting-plate provided with a central opening for the bottorn-die andwith aheating-chamber around said opening, of a bottom-die provided with aheatingchamber and arranged in said opening,aud presser-staves arrangedbetween said upper and lower plates and provided witl1 heating-passages,substantially as set fort 14. The combination with the upper hori-Zontal supporting-plate provided with a central opening having aninternal shoulder, of a former provided in its upper portion with aprojection by which it rests on said shoulder, and a laterally-movablecross-head pivotally mounted upon said supporting-plate and adapted tolock the former in said opening, substantially as set forth.

15. The combination with the upper horizontal supporting-plate providedwith a central opening and the former arranged in said opening, of alower horizontal supportingplate, upright columns extending through saidplates, a cross-head pivoted to one of said columns above the upperplate and provided with an open jaw by which it engages with the othercolumn, and locking devices applied to said columns and bearing uponsaid cross-head, substantially as set forth.

16. The combination with the radially-movable presser-staves havingpresser-faces on their inner sides and a former arranged in the spaceinclosed by said staves, of an annular series of separate face-plateswhich are arranged looselyT against the presser-faces of the staves andare free to adhere to the outer side of the molded vessel when thestaves are withdrawn and which are separately removsaid shell andwhereby said frame is detachably connected with said shell,substantially as set forth.

18. The combination with the former-shell provided with notches in itstop, of an annular forming-frame surrounding the upper end of saidshell, catches attached to said frame and adapted to engage said shell,and a movable actuating-ring resting on said frame and engaging saidcatches, substantially as set forth.

1,9. The combination with the former-shell provided with notches in itstop, of an annular forming-frame surrounding the upper end of saidshell, catches pivoted to said frame and adapted to enter the notches ofsaid shell, and a rotatable cam-ring arranged on said frame and engagingsaid catches to project or withdraw the same, substantially as setforth.

20. The combination with the former-core, of a former-shell fitted uponsaid core, means whereby said shell is detachably secured to said core,and an annular forming-frame surrounding the upper end of said shell anddetachably connected therewith, substantially as set forth.

21. The combination with the former-core having an enlarged head whichis connected with the body of the core by an overhanging annularshoulder, of a formershell fitted upon said core below said shoulder,and an annular formingframe surrounding said shell below said shoulderand detachably connected to said shell, substantially as set forth.

22. The combination with the former-core, of a former-shell applied tosaid core, and a screw-rod attached at its lower end to said shell andat its upper end to said core for detachably connecting the shell withthe core, substantially as set forth.

23. The combination with the forming-shell having a screw-threadedsocket in its bottom, of a former-core to which said shell is appliedand which has in its bottom an opening which exposes said socket andnear its top a cross-l piece, and a screw-rod engaging with its lowerend in said socket and provided at its upper end with a nut which bearsupon said crosspiece, substantially as set forth.

Witness my hand this 23d day of May, 1900.

GEORGE W. LARAWAY. Witnesses:

EUGENE S. ASHLEY, EDWARD WILHELM.

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